Umm … you know …
Today’s subject is a bit touchy. Okay, maybe touchy is the wrong choice of words. Toddlers go through phases of constant change and exploration. One of the areas they start to explore is their own bodies. This exploration can sometimes be awkward for parents, especially if they’re not sure how to react at the time. I was curious myself, as Alex has started “holding” himself whenever I change his diaper (I think he’s afraid I might try to take it off?), so I checked around to see how other parents handled things.
As it turns out, this totally natural and somewhat expected behavior. Experts and pediatricians recommend allowing the behavior, and being open to any questions your toddler may have. Establishing healthy roads of communication between you and child now can do wonders to keep you in the loop later on in the teen years when this behavior actually becomes more sexually related.
So the bottom line? Don’t freak. Naturally, if you’re at a playdate and your toddler decides this is the perfect time to being some self-exploration, quick distraction is probably key. But on the other hand, you’ll be amazed at how many other parents confess that their little on is doing the exact same thing!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:00 am
LOL, my freind little one does the same thing!
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:08 pm
To all interested moms:
I would like to invite you to participate in a research study of parenting views and practices. Dr. Kim White-Mills and Dr. Catherine Dobris of IUPUI (both are moms) are interested in understanding what sources parents find useful in their parenting practices, how parents use different parenting information, and what views parents across the country hold regarding parenting issues.
To access this survey, go to http://www.iupui.edu/~momviews/
May 23rd, 2007 at 2:52 pm
We’ve had this going on for awhile now with our now 19 month old. And really, I am totally on board with Self Exploration (Seriously - whoo!hoo! Go Self Exploration!! Yeehaw!!) Our biggest problem has been the fact that while he’s exploring, he dislodges his diaper and pees EVERYWHERE. That is my main frustration, so we’ve had to resort to bodysuits and rompers again.
I agree that parents need to make a big deal of it, though.
May 24th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
My 22 month old daughter is actually starting to get that way too. I make it so its not a dirty thing. I let her wash her privates herself in the bath. Which makes her happy and so far it has really satisfied her curiosity. No little public embarassments yet on my end!
Victoria
http://www.about-sandiegoca.com/